Coaching Players in a High Tech World

Terri Mitchell - Head Coach

Marquette University

I remember being hired as the head coach of Marquette University 16 years ago as if it were yesterday. It was a dream come true for me since I had decided in college that one day I would be the head coach of a Division I women's basketball program. I have always taken pride in knowing the game of basketball inside and out. It is my job, as well my staff's job, to develop our players into the best basketball players they can be. However, no matter how much a coach knows the X's and O's of the game, there is still so much more to know about getting the best out of your players. When I was named the head coach, the first thing I decided with my staff was to develop five principles that would be the foundation of our program. I am a firm believer that by instilling a strong foundation in my players I am giving them a better opportunity for success on the basketball court and in life. As all of us know, there is a great deal of pressure on us to be a successful program every year, but how does that happen in our ever changing world of technology?

First, let me share with you the five principles of our program that helps us achieve our success, regardless of today's technology. They are Believe, Commit, Mature, Respect, and Thankfulness. We believe and trust one another through the "ups" and "downs" of our daily lives. We are all committed to working to be our best in everything we do. We mature because of the challenges we face and know that life is full of opportunities from which we will grow. We respect one another, as well as our opponents, and realize that we must interact with the world in which we live. And, finally, all that we do is wrapped up in thankfulness, because we recognize that we are fortunate enough to have this opportunity to be a part of this program and the things we are given. Since these principles are fundamental to our program we are always talking about them and using them as the source upon which our character is built.

When I was named the head coach 16 years ago, my players would come and see me when they needed something. A few years later, the use of cell phones was introduced as the "normal" way of communicating. And, now, it is texting....so what will it be a year from now or five years from now? My players still come and see me, but this generation is one that is used to quick responses and modes of communicating.....they can "talk" all day by text. Personally, I would rather talk face to face, but I know I can't stay in the dark ages when this generation has grown up with such advanced technology. Therefore, I grudgingly opened a Facebook account last year, and thankfully I did that because email has become a thing of the past for most of my recruits! The same can be said for my players.

So how does this advanced technology and our five principles work together? Quite simply, it gives us a point of communication or connection, between the world we live in and the things we believe in and that will never change. It also gives me a connection with my players, something we can always "talk" about throughout the season by phone, text or in person.....whether we win, lose, or are facing difficult challenges on or off the court. Our principles are our "home base", the place we can all come to as we grow as individuals and as a team. I take very seriously my role as the head coach. I have never looked at my job as just coaching basketball, but rather as a wonderful opportunity to influence and make an impact in the lives of my players and use the game of basketball to help them become better people and leaders in our society. Technology will always change, but our principles and the things we believe in will be a constant source of strength not just on the basketball court, but also in life!

About the Author...

Believe, Commit, Mature, Respect, Thankfulness - These are the five principles that serve as the foundation of the Marquette women's basketball team. And with these principles Marquette lives by each day, head coach Terri Mitchell has molded the Golden Eagles into champions.

The foundation was laid years ago during her upbringing in Harrisburg, Pa. The life lessons Mitchell learned have served as her guide in coaching the Marquette women's basketball team for the last 15 years.

The Golden Eagles have thrived under Mitchell, Marquette's all-time basketball wins leader, as she has compiled a 296-171 overall record , 13 trips to the postseason and nine 20-win seasons. Notably, the Golden Eagles have earned nine consecutive postseason berths, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament Second Round (2004, 2007, 2011) and winning the Women's National Invitation Tournament crown in 2008.

On the court, Mitchell's teams are known for their well-balanced offense coupled with a tenacious style of defense and off the court for their academic excellence and commitment to community service.

Since becoming the fourth women's basketball coach in Marquette University history, Mitchell has paved a path of excellence. That journey began in her very first year, as Mitchell was at the helm for the largest turnaround in school history. She guided MU to a 21-10 record in 1996-97, which was 13 wins better than the previous season's record of 8-20. It was the largest turnaround of any first-year head coach and third-best single-season turnaround among all NCAA Division I schools that year.

The drive and commitment to excellence Mitchell had her first year as a head coach continues to be instilled in her teams year after year. Her players don't question it; they know it and live it each day. One of the team's favorite Mitchell sayings is "we didn't come to just compete in the BIG EAST, we came to win it."